Gay El Paso

Gay El Paso

In 1659, Fray Garcia de San Francisco, established Our Lady of Guadalupe Mission of El Paso del Norte in the Chihuahuan Desert, around which a Spanish village grew into what is now the El Paso–Juárez region. Fort Bliss, part of a strong federal and military presence in the area, is one of the largest military complexes of the US Army and the county's largest training facility. About 80% of the local population is ethnically Hispanic or Latino.

Built in Bhutanese architectural style on hillsides overlooking the Rio Grande, the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) campus is the largest US university with a majority Mexican-American student population.

Hours away from the larger gay Texas city hotspots, El Paso is a regional center for LGBT goings-on, and the scene easily overlaps the border to include the Mexican city of Juarez, especially concerning bears' activities.

Getting Here, Getting Around

The El Paso International Airport is the gateway to West Texas, Southern New Mexico and Northern Mexico, with passenger services on six major airline carriers.

There are hotel shuttles, taxis and Sun Metro buses to and from the Airport 7 days a week between the terminal building and Downtown Plaza, with a stop at Bassett Center Shopping Center, 601 Santa Fe St. For getting around town, single trip fares are $1.50. Day passes can be bought for $3.50 at ticket offices, transfer center machines, and local libraries. A pass for a week of rides is $12. See the website for routes and schedules.

Distances are great in western Texas, so you’ll definitely need a car to get around in the later hours, or beyond the immediate city.

Neighborhoods

The majority of El Paso’s gay establishments are located within a few blocks of one another in downtown.

Media & Resources

The El Paso GLBT Community Center (216 S Ochoa) has information about the local scene. It also houses the De Ambiente Café, serving sandwiches, soups, and desserts (until 3am Friday and Saturday). Other community events here include special dances, plays, film nights, and parties, plus there's a drop-in lounge/TV area, internet access stations, and gay library resources.

Visit El Paso, the website of the local Convention and Visitors Bureau, has general tourism info. El Paso Live lists upcoming local entertainment events.